Chris Turnerhttp://votechristurner.com
Texas State RepresentativeTue, 13 Mar 2018 15:40:16 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.9She’s worried. Really worried.http://votechristurner.com/shes-worried-really-worried/
Tue, 13 Mar 2018 15:40:16 +0000http://votechristurner.com/?p=5785Politics is really strange sometimes. Last Tuesday, I was thrilled when my friend Beverly Powell won the Democratic primary election in Senate District 10. Lisa and I were leaving Beverly’s victory party when I saw this tweet from the Star Telegram’s Bud Kennedy: “That’s weird,” I thought. “What could she have said that made it sound like she was running against me?” I pulled up the statement and sure enough. After a number of false statements about Beverly and her supporters, Burton turns her attention to…me. She wrote, “…Chris Turner is also enthusiastically working for my opponent. As Democrat (sic) Caucus chairman, Turner was responsible last session for organizing their party’s lock-step opposition to legislation I coauthored that is broadly supported across Senate District 10.” If that wasn’t enough, she went on to attack my support of fixing our broken school finance system, which is the only solution to address rising property taxes. She attacked my support of a woman’s constitutional right to choose. She attacked my opposition to the unconstitutional “show me your papers” law. After naming me SIX TIMES in a string of false attacks, (again, I am not her opponent), Burton concluded by saying, “And now he hopes you’ll ignore the issues and send him reinforcements in November.” She’s right on one thing. I do hope voters across our state will send reinforcements. We sure could use them in Austin. We need more members of the Legislature who will fight for our public schools, improve access to health care and make college affordability a top priority. We also need more voices and votes against extreme measures like the so-called bathroom bill (one of Burton’s top priorities). As probably the most ineffective legislator in the Capitol, Burton puts her extremist agenda above the interests of the women, men and children she represents. She has fought against more funding for our public schools, opposed increasing access to health care and voted against bringing good jobs to Tarrant County. And, we know she doesn’t like being confronted with inconvenient facts about her record, which is why she stormed out of an Arlington luncheon a few weeks ago when GOP County Judge Glen Whitley called out the Legislature for hypocrisy on property taxes. I guess I wasn’t surprised that Burton came out swinging so early. With a record of failure and such a strong opponent in Beverly Powell, she is on the defense. Between now and November 6th, I will do everything in my power to spread Democrats’ message and get voters who reject Burton’s brand of right-wing Trump-style extremism to the polls. Last week’s record turnout in the Democratic primary was a testament to how excited and engaged people are across our state. It’s obvious that Texans want real solutions to fix the challenges they face every day. To be successful on Election Day, it will take hard work and it will take money. Help me get more voters to the polls and keep the people of House District 101 and Tarrant County engaged in this critical election. Together, we can elect more common-sense leaders like Beverly Powell and send lots of reinforcements to Austin.

]]>Politics is really strange sometimes. Last Tuesday, I was thrilled when my friend Beverly Powell won the Democratic primary election in Senate District 10. Lisa and I were leaving Beverly’s victory party when I saw this tweet from the Star Telegram’s Bud Kennedy:

“That’s weird,” I thought. “What could she have said that made it sound like she was running against me?”

I pulled up the statement and sure enough. After a number of false statements about Beverly and her supporters, Burton turns her attention to…me.

She wrote, “…Chris Turner is also enthusiastically working for my opponent. As Democrat (sic) Caucus chairman, Turner was responsible last session for organizing their party’s lock-step opposition to legislation I coauthored that is broadly supported across Senate District 10.”

If that wasn’t enough, she went on to attack my support of fixing our broken school finance system, which is the only solution to address rising property taxes. She attacked my support of a woman’s constitutional right to choose. She attacked my opposition to the unconstitutional “show me your papers” law.

After naming me SIX TIMES in a string of false attacks, (again, I am not her opponent), Burton concluded by saying, “And now he hopes you’ll ignore the issues and send him reinforcements in November.”

She’s right on one thing. I do hope voters across our state will send reinforcements. We sure could use them in Austin.

We need more members of the Legislature who will fight for our public schools, improve access to health care and make college affordability a top priority. We also need more voices and votes against extreme measures like the so-called bathroom bill (one of Burton’s top priorities).

I guess I wasn’t surprised that Burton came out swinging so early. With a record of failure and such a strong opponent in Beverly Powell, she is on the defense.

Between now and November 6th, I will do everything in my power to spread Democrats’ message and get voters who reject Burton’s brand of right-wing Trump-style extremism to the polls.

Last week’s record turnout in the Democratic primary was a testament to how excited and engaged people are across our state. It’s obvious that Texans want real solutions to fix the challenges they face every day.

To be successful on Election Day, it will take hard work and it will take money.

]]>Vote!http://votechristurner.com/vote/
Tue, 06 Mar 2018 13:00:39 +0000http://votechristurner.com/?p=5762It’s not too late to vote for Beto O’Rourke for US Senate, Marc Veasey for re-election to Congress, Beverly Powell to replace Konni Burton, and Devan Allen to represent HD 101 in the Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court. You have until 7:00 pm today. I know you’ve probably received a few reminders to go vote. This one probably won’t be the last. As I wrote in an email to you a couple of weeks ago, and as record early voting turnout for our party’s primary indicates, this will be a historic election. If you haven’t made it to the ballot box, it’s not too late. Again, you have until 7:00 pm today. Tarrant County Voters, click here for your polling location. If you’re not in Tarrant County click here. Now go vote.

I know you’ve probably received a few reminders to go vote. This one probably won’t be the last. As I wrote in an email to you a couple of weeks ago, and as record early voting turnout for our party’s primary indicates, this will be a historic election.

If you haven’t made it to the ballot box, it’s not too late. Again, you have until 7:00 pm today.

]]>Two weekshttp://votechristurner.com/two-weeks/
Tue, 27 Feb 2018 19:10:34 +0000http://votechristurner.com/?p=5745Two weeks ago, 17 people in Parkland, Florida — 14 of them students — were murdered, shot by a 19-year-old with a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle. In the hours and days that followed, the students of Stoneman Douglas High School quickly turned tragedy into action by calling on elected leaders to do something to stop mass shootings. Their determination has inspired many more across our country to speak up and speak out. Nationwide, it seems that the tide is turning when it comes to people’s attitudes about gun violence. Following the tragedy on Valentine’s Day, Quinnipiac polled a cross-section of Americans and the results were pretty clear. Of those polled: 75% want Congress to do more to address gun violence 97% support universal background checks 83% support a mandatory waiting period for all gun purchases 76% support an assault weapon ban However, as has become the norm after a gun-related tragedy, many Republican leaders at both the state and national levels have succumbed to the extreme NRA’s influence. The head of the NRA, Wayne LaPierre, has made it clear that he cares more about the right of someone – even an 18-year-old – to buy an AR-15 than he does about school safety. He’s even gone as far to say that those in support of gun safety measures “don’t care about our schoolchildren. They want to make all of us less free.” How offensive. For some, the answer has been to increase the number of guns. For example, President Trump thinks that arming teachers is the solution. It’s not. He talks about a need for more mental health care — I agree, we need more access to care — but if he really cared about making mental health care more accessible, he would stop undermining the Affordable Care Act. Common sense solutions that have broad support from the American people, such as universal background checks, closing the gun show loophole, banning assault weapons like the AR-15 and raising the legal age to purchase a gun from 18 to 21 won’t threaten anyone’s freedom. They will, however, save lives. In addition to keeping guns out of the wrong hands, we need to look for ways to intervene when a child or adolescent shows signs of destructive behavior. In 2016, when I served on the House Select Committee for Mental Health, I learned how some Texas school districts have put mental health providers and centers on campuses and who are available 365 days a year to students, their families and school staff members. Austin ISD, which has taken a lead on providing these services, reports incredible results, including higher graduation rates, lower suspension rates and a more positive atmosphere on the campuses served. This could be replicated across Texas if there is the funding and the political will. Our state’s leaders must make this type of intervention a priority. Once and for all, we must do everything we can to stop high-powered weapons from falling in the hands of those who want to cause harm and we must make it a priority to help troubled children and adolescents before it’s too late. It is my hope that we see swift action at the federal level and that this issue carries through to the November election and on to the next legislative session. For far too many have died tragically in schools, churches, restaurants, movie theaters and other public places. It’s up to us to have the courage and conviction to do something to stop it. PHOTO CREDIT: RHONA WISE/AFP/Getty Images

]]>Two weeks ago, 17 peoplein Parkland, Florida — 14 of them students — were murdered, shot by a 19-year-old with a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle.

In the hours and days that followed, the students of Stoneman Douglas High School quickly turned tragedy into action by calling on elected leaders to do something to stop mass shootings. Their determination has inspired many more across our country to speak up and speak out.

Nationwide, it seems that the tide is turning when it comes to people’s attitudes about gun violence. Following the tragedy on Valentine’s Day, Quinnipiac polled a cross-section of Americans and the results were pretty clear. Of those polled:

75% want Congress to do more to address gun violence

97% support universal background checks

83% support a mandatory waiting period for all gun purchases

76% support an assault weapon ban

However, as has become the norm after a gun-related tragedy, many Republican leaders at both the state and national levels have succumbed to the extreme NRA’s influence. The head of the NRA, Wayne LaPierre, has made it clear that he cares more about the right of someone – even an 18-year-old – to buy an AR-15 than he does about school safety. He’s even gone as far to say that those in support of gun safety measures “don’t care about our schoolchildren. They want to make all of us less free.” How offensive.

For some, the answer has been to increase the number of guns. For example, President Trump thinks that arming teachers is the solution. It’s not. He talks about a need for more mental health care — I agree, we need more access to care — but if he really cared about making mental health care more accessible, he would stop undermining the Affordable Care Act.

Common sense solutions that have broad support from the American people, such as universal background checks, closing the gun show loophole, banning assault weapons like the AR-15 and raising the legal age to purchase a gun from 18 to 21 won’t threaten anyone’s freedom. They will, however, save lives.

In addition to keeping guns out of the wrong hands, we need to look for ways to intervene when a child or adolescent shows signs of destructive behavior.

In 2016, when I served on the House Select Committee for Mental Health, I learned how some Texas school districts have put mental health providers and centers on campuses and who are available 365 days a year to students, their families and school staff members. Austin ISD, which has taken a lead on providing these services, reports incredible results, including higher graduation rates, lower suspension rates and a more positive atmosphere on the campuses served. This could be replicated across Texas if there is the funding and the political will.

Our state’s leaders must make this type of intervention a priority.

Once and for all, we must do everything we can to stop high-powered weapons from falling in the hands of those who want to cause harm and we must make it a priority to help troubled children and adolescents before it’s too late.

It is my hope that we see swift action at the federal level and that this issue carries through to the November election and on to the next legislative session. For far too many have died tragically in schools, churches, restaurants, movie theaters and other public places. It’s up to us to have the courage and conviction to do something to stop it.

]]>Early voting starts now!http://votechristurner.com/early-voting-starts-now/
Tue, 20 Feb 2018 17:46:37 +0000http://votechristurner.com/?p=5698Today is the first day of early voting for the March 6th primary election. I think we can expect this year’s election – both the primary and the November general election — to be historic. People are fed up with Donald Trump and politicians like Ted Cruz and Konni Burton, who put extreme Tea Party interests above neighborhood schools, the economy and our healthcare. It’s time to send a strong message that we need change from the top down, which is why I urge you to be a part of this historic election by voting in the Democratic Primary. There are many important contests in this year’s primary and I hope you will consider voting for the following candidates I have endorsed: Beto O’Rourke for U.S. Senate – Beto is mounting a strong challenge against the extreme Ted Cruz. Beto’s grassroots campaign is inspiring a lot of people across our state and as our Senator, he will put Texas first, for a change. Marc Veasey for U.S. Representative, District 33 – We have one of the best congressmen around, and we need to keep him! Marc is a hard-working leader for Tarrant and Dallas Counties and is fighting for us and against the Trump agenda every day in Washington. Beverly Powell for State Senate, District 10 – I’ve known Beverly for more than a decade and know she will put people ahead of politics. With her service on the Burleson ISD School Board and years of involvement in our community, Beverly has what it takes to beat Konni Burton in November. When elected, she will be a strong advocate for Tarrant County, something we have been missing in Senate District 10 for the last few years. Devan Allen for Tarrant County Commissioner, Precinct 2 – I was fortunate to work with Devan when she served as my District Director and know firsthand her commitment and passion for serving others. When elected, she will be a needed addition to the Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court and a strong voice for Precinct 2. In addition, I know Devan will be an effective ally on key House District 101 priorities, including health care and transportation. If you live in Arlington, Grand Prairie, Mansfield or Kennedale and would like to learn more about Devan, Lisa and I are hosting a meet-and-greet event at our home in Grand Prairie onSaturday, February 24 from 2 to 4:00 pm. For more details or to RSVP, email vanna@mrmandco.com. Early voting runs through Friday, March 2nd. For Tarrant County early voting times and locations, click here. 2018’s going to be a good year – be part of it by exercising your right to vote! Chris

Today is the first day of early voting for the March 6th primary election.

I think we can expect this year’s election – both the primary and the November general election — to be historic. People are fed up with Donald Trump and politicians like Ted Cruz and Konni Burton, who put extreme Tea Party interests above neighborhood schools, the economy and our healthcare.

It’s time to send a strong message that we need change from the top down, which is why I urge you to be a part of this historic election by voting in the Democratic Primary. There are many important contests in this year’s primary and I hope you will consider voting for the following candidates I have endorsed:

Beto O’Rourke for U.S. Senate – Beto is mounting a strong challenge against the extreme Ted Cruz. Beto’s grassroots campaign is inspiring a lot of people across our state and as our Senator, he will put Texas first, for a change.

Marc Veasey for U.S. Representative, District 33 – We have one of the best congressmen around, and we need to keep him! Marc is a hard-working leader for Tarrant and Dallas Counties and is fighting for us and against the Trump agenda every day in Washington.

Beverly Powell for State Senate, District 10 – I’ve known Beverly for more than a decade and know she will put people ahead of politics. With her service on the Burleson ISD School Board and years of involvement in our community, Beverly has what it takes to beat Konni Burton in November. When elected, she will be a strong advocate for Tarrant County, something we have been missing in Senate District 10 for the last few years.

Devan Allen for Tarrant County Commissioner, Precinct 2– I was fortunate to work with Devan when she served as my District Director and know firsthand her commitment and passion for serving others. When elected, she will be a needed addition to the Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court and a strong voice for Precinct 2. In addition, I know Devan will be an effective ally on key House District 101 priorities, including health care and transportation.

If you live in Arlington, Grand Prairie, Mansfield or Kennedale and would like to learn more about Devan, Lisa and I are hosting a meet-and-greet event at our home in Grand Prairie onSaturday, February 24 from 2 to 4:00 pm. For more details or to RSVP, email vanna@mrmandco.com.

Early voting runs through Friday, March 2nd. For Tarrant County early voting times and locations, click here.

2018’s going to be a good year – be part of it by exercising your right to vote!

]]>#Blowingthewhistlehttp://votechristurner.com/blowingthewhistle/
Fri, 16 Feb 2018 00:34:48 +0000http://votechristurner.com/?p=5720Last week, people across the state took to Twitter to share stories of public school educators whose sacrifices have made real differences in the lives of children across our state. The hashtag #blowingthewhistle was in response to a divisive and derisive campaign launched by an extreme right-wing group called Empower Texans. The intent of this anti-education group is to target public school employees and attack educators for their civic participation. As with many of Empower Texans’ stunts, this quickly blew up in their face.The #blowingthewhistle stories went viral and are more proof that Texas teachers are making a real difference in the lives of children and their families. Read a few of the posts for yourself: Carol Fernandez‏ @CarolJFernandez @EmpowerTexans I am #blowingthewhistle on one my public school teacher friends. She has purchased several pairs of cool tennis shoes for some of her students. Thekids aren’t positive who they are from. They just magically end up in their locker. This way no one knows but them. Mrs. Justice‏ @justi_saurus @EmpowerTexans I’m #blowingthewhistle on my fellow teacher friend who takes time out of her weekends to take Senior pictures for free for students who can’t afford them so that they can have the same special Senior experiences as everyone else. Arï‏ @AriRhea17 I’m #blowingthewhistle on a teacher of mine that gave me a shoulder to lean on when I was crying, food when I was hungry, and a second family. Teachers don’t get enough credit for what they do. They do more than teach. They change lives. Cajuntexan‏ @Cajuntexan77 @EmpowerTexans I am #blowingthewhistle on a teacher who takes her student’s clothes home to wash every Friday afternoon so they will have clean clothes to wear on Monday morning. Bowie Hogg‏ @bowiehogg Hey @EmpowerTexans I am #blowingthewhistle on my wife who used to buy a painted rock from one of her 5th grade students so he could bring money home for his family instead of fighting for money. #blockvote #Over4500TeachersinArlington Inspired, I added a story of my own – Chris Turner‏ @ChrisGTurner .@EmpowerTexans – I’m #blowingthewhistle on an @ArlingtonISD asst principal I met recently. He was on a high from his success in breaking through to a student who had been cutting class. Now the student is always in class and doing well – meant everything to this AP. #txlege I hope you will join me and share a story about a teacher or school district employee you know. It’s not too late. We must continue #blowingthewhistle to honor these women and men. We must also give them the tools to succeed, such as increased funding and better support from elected leaders.

]]>Last week, people across the state took to Twitter to share stories of public school educators whose sacrifices have made real differences in the lives of children across our state.

The hashtag #blowingthewhistlewas in response to a divisive and derisive campaign launched by an extreme right-wing group called Empower Texans. The intent of this anti-education group is to target public school employees and attack educators for their civic participation.

As with many of Empower Texans’ stunts, this quickly blew up in their face.The#blowingthewhistlestories went viral and are more proof that Texas teachers are making a real difference in the lives of children and their families.

Arï‏@AriRhea17
I’m #blowingthewhistle on a teacher of mine that gave me a shoulder to lean on when I was crying, food when I was hungry, and a second family. Teachers don’t get enough credit for what they do. They do more than teach. They change lives.

.@EmpowerTexans – I’m #blowingthewhistle on an @ArlingtonISD asst principal I met recently. He was on a high from his success in breaking through to a student who had been cutting class. Now the student is always in class and doing well – meant everything to this AP. #txlege

I hope you will join me and share a story about a teacher or school district employee you know. It’s not too late.

We must continue #blowingthewhistle to honor these women and men. We must also give them the tools to succeed, such as increased funding and better support from elected leaders.

]]>Black History Monthhttp://votechristurner.com/black-history-month/
Thu, 01 Feb 2018 18:08:52 +0000http://votechristurner.com/?p=5691Today marks the start of Black History Month, an annual celebration of African Americans’ incredible achievements and contributions to our nation’s history. During the month of February, I will highlight various African American leaders on social media and on my website. I hope you will join me in honoring these men and women and share the posts among your networks. This Sunday, February 4th, marks what would have been Rosa Parks’ 105th birthday. As you may recall, last year I passed a measure to name the Arlington and Grand Prairie portion of the SH 360 South extension the Rosa Parks Memorial Parkway. This will both honor her legacy and pay tribute to the rich diversity of our community. Over the last few months, my staff and I have worked with the North Texas Tollway Authority and Dr. Jason Shelton, the Director of the Center for American Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington, to finalize the language for the commemorative plaque that will be installed when the road is complete. It will read: The Texas Legislature has designated this important Southeast Tarrant County road the Rosa Parks Memorial Parkway, in honor of an American hero whose courage helped to change our nation for the better. As a black woman in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955, Ms. Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a city bus to a white man. This act of courage inspired the Civil Rights Movement, which aimed to eliminate racial discrimination and make the American Dream possible for all people. Ms. Parks’ fight for equality and fairness spanned her entire life, as she continued to tackle issues such as affordable housing and public education until her death in 2005. “I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to befree…so other people would also be free.” – Rosa Parks This spring, there will be an event to open the highway and unveil the plaque. As we get closer and confirm the details, I will send additional information so that you may mark your calendar. In the meantime, I hope we can all reflect on the rich contributions of African Americans in Texas and across our nation this Black History Month.

]]>Today marks the start of Black History Month, an annual celebration of African Americans’ incredible achievements and contributions to our nation’s history. During the month of February, I will highlight various African American leaders on social media and on my website. I hope you will join me in honoring these men and women and share the posts among your networks.

This Sunday, February 4th, marks what would have been Rosa Parks’ 105th birthday. As you may recall, last year I passed a measure to name the Arlington and Grand Prairie portion of the SH 360 South extension the Rosa Parks Memorial Parkway. This will both honor her legacy and pay tribute to the rich diversity of our community.

Over the last few months, my staff and I have worked with the North Texas Tollway Authority and Dr. Jason Shelton, the Director of the Center for American Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington, to finalize the language for the commemorative plaque that will be installed when the road is complete. It will read:

The Texas Legislature has designated this important Southeast Tarrant County road the Rosa Parks Memorial Parkway, in honor of an American hero whose courage helped to change our nation for the better. As a black woman in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955, Ms. Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a city bus to a white man. This act of courage inspired the Civil Rights Movement, which aimed to eliminate racial discrimination and make the American Dream possible for all people. Ms. Parks’ fight for equality and fairness spanned her entire life, as she continued to tackle issues such as affordable housing and public education until her death in 2005.

“I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to befree…so other people would also be free.” – Rosa Parks

This spring, there will be an event to open the highway and unveil the plaque. As we get closer and confirm the details, I will send additional information so that you may mark your calendar.

In the meantime, I hope we can all reflect on the rich contributions of African Americans in Texas and across our nation this Black History Month.

]]>Progress in District 101http://votechristurner.com/progress-district-101/
Tue, 30 Jan 2018 17:14:07 +0000http://votechristurner.com/?p=5685There are major developments on two local projects my staff and I have been working on over the past few years. As you know, curbing the reach of predatory lenders has been a top priority of mine. My staff and the Texas 101 Task Force have worked on this issue since 2014. Last night, in a unanimous vote, the Grand Prairie City Council joined Arlington and 42 other Texas cities in adopting a Credit Access Business (CAB) ordinance. As a result of this action, those who take out payday and auto-title loans in Grand Prairie will have greater protections and will be less likely to become trapped in a cycle of predatory loan debt. The Grand Prairie City Council deserves our appreciation and thanks for stepping up and doing what is right for its citizens and for having the political will to do something the Legislature refuses to do — stand up to predatory lenders. What cities are doing is making a real difference, but they really should not have to be dealing with this issue in the first place. It is the Legislature’s responsibility to regulate predatory lenders. I hope that as more cities join Grand Prairie and Arlington by passing CAB ordinances, state leaders will take notice and recognize it is time to act. In the meantime, I am proud to say that 100 percent of District 101 is now covered by a predatory lending ordinance! I’m equally proud that so many citizens, through the Texas 101 Task Force and other means, became involved in this issue at the local level. Another district project that we have worked on for a while is improving pedestrian safety along Spur 303/Pioneer Parkway in Arlington. This busy thoroughfare, located in an area with significant residential housing and several schools, needs major pedestrian improvements. These will include additional sidewalks and safer crosswalks. In response to these concerns, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has developed an improvement plan for Spur 303, which they will unveil at a public meeting Thursday evening, January 25, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Senior Recreation Center located at 1815 New York Avenue, Arlington, TX 76010. Click Here to See the Proposed Plan I hope that East Arlington residents will come out and share their thoughts on the proposed plan. My staff and I will be there and we hope to see you. If you have any questions about Thursday’s meeting, email me at chris.turner@house.texas.gov.

]]>There are major developments on two local projects my staff and I have been working on over the past few years.

As you know, curbing the reach of predatory lenders has been a top priority of mine. My staff and the Texas 101 Task Force have worked on this issue since 2014. Last night, in a unanimous vote, the Grand Prairie City Council joined Arlington and 42 other Texas cities in adopting a Credit Access Business (CAB) ordinance. As a result of this action, those who take out payday and auto-title loans in Grand Prairie will have greater protections and will be less likely to become trapped in a cycle of predatory loan debt.

The Grand Prairie City Council deserves our appreciation and thanks for stepping up and doing what is right for its citizens and for having the political will to do something the Legislature refuses to do — stand up to predatory lenders.

What cities are doing is making a real difference, but they really should not have to be dealing with this issue in the first place. It is the Legislature’s responsibility to regulate predatory lenders. I hope that as more cities join Grand Prairie and Arlington by passing CAB ordinances, state leaders will take notice and recognize it is time to act.

In the meantime, I am proud to say that 100 percent of District 101 is now covered by a predatory lending ordinance! I’m equally proud that so many citizens, through the Texas 101 Task Force and other means, became involved in this issue at the local level.

Another district project that we have worked on for a while is improving pedestrian safety along Spur 303/Pioneer Parkway in Arlington.

This busy thoroughfare, located in an area with significant residential housing and several schools, needs major pedestrian improvements. These will include additional sidewalks and safer crosswalks.

In response to these concerns, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has developed an improvement plan for Spur 303, which they will unveil at a public meeting Thursday evening, January 25, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Senior Recreation Center located at 1815 New York Avenue, Arlington, TX 76010.

]]>Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.http://votechristurner.com/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-2/
Thu, 18 Jan 2018 16:59:05 +0000http://votechristurner.com/?p=5668In my Capitol office, on the wall beside my desk, hang two pictures of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The photograph on top is of Dr. King waving to an audience of 250,000 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. That day, he gave what many consider his most notable speech and where, in a boomingvoice, he delivered the words that moved a nation. “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” The picture below it is of Dr. King in the Oval Office, sitting in the foreground, listening, or perhaps deep in thought. President Lyndon B. Johnson can be seen behind him. I hung thisphoto as a reminder of the progress these two made addressing civil rights and voting rights. It also serves as a reminder of the constant battle to fight for and to protect these rights. Today, we remember Dr. King’s words, we celebrate his life and we honor his legacy. Let’s not just focus on thoughts and celebrations. Let’s act. Let us work collectively to serve our communities and make our cities, state and country a better place for all. The night before he tragically died, Dr. King delivered his final speech. In it, he challenged those listening to come together to work for the greater good. He said, “Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge, to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.” These words ring as true today as they did in 1968. I ask you to please join me in making a commitment to stand with greater determination and to help the people in our communities, our state and our nation. Not just today, but every day.

]]>In my Capitol office, on the wall beside my desk, hang two pictures of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The photograph on top is of Dr. King waving to an audience of 250,000 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. That day, he gave what many consider his most notable speech and where, in a boomingvoice, he delivered the words that moved a nation.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

The picture below it is of Dr. King in the Oval Office, sitting in the foreground, listening, or perhaps deep in thought. President Lyndon B. Johnson can be seen behind him. I hung thisphoto as a reminder of the progress these two made addressing civil rights and voting rights. It also serves as a reminder of the constant battle to fight for and to protect these rights.

Today, we remember Dr. King’s words, we celebrate his life and we honor his legacy. Let’s not just focus on thoughts and celebrations. Let’s act. Let us work collectively to serve our communities and make our cities, state and country a better place for all.

The night before he tragically died, Dr. King delivered his final speech. In it, he challenged those listening to come together to work for the greater good.

He said, “Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge, to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.”

These words ring as true today as they did in 1968.

I ask you to please join me in making a commitment to stand with greater determination and to help the people in our communities, our state and our nation. Not just today, but every day.

]]>I filedhttp://votechristurner.com/i-filed-2/
Tue, 14 Nov 2017 03:04:29 +0000http://votechristurner.com/?p=5653Today, I filed for re-election in House District 101 and I released the following statement: “Serving the constituents of our district is the best and most important part of my job,” Turner said. “I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of Arlington and Grand Prairie by fighting for local priorities, such as transportation. I will also continue to work hard for UT-Arlington, Tarrant County College and the Arlington and Mansfield school districts. “In Austin, I look forward to continuing to fight for greater transparency and ethics reform, better access to healthcare, more funding for public education and making higher education attainable for all Texans who want to attend college,” Turner continued. “And as chair of the House Democratic Caucus, I will continue to oppose the Dan Patrick/Greg Abbott extreme right-wing agenda, which puts divisive, Trump-style politics ahead of the real solutions Texans deserve.” Turner has received numerous awards and honors for his legislative service, including “Legislator of the Year” from the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (2009), “Best of the House” from the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) (2013), “Legislative Champion”from Planned Parenthood Texas Votes (2017), the Sierra Club of Texas’ “New Leadership in Environmental Protection Legislative Service Award” (2013), and “Champion of Equality” from Equality Texas (2013 and 2015). Turner is a native Texan who grew up in Dallas and is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. A 20-year Tarrant County resident, Turner lives in Grand Prairie with his wife, Lisa. The Democratic primary election will be held on March 6, 2018.

]]>Today, I filed for re-election in House District 101 and I released the following statement:

“Serving the constituents of our district is the best and most important part of my job,” Turner said. “I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of Arlington and Grand Prairie by fighting for local priorities, such as transportation. I will also continue to work hard for UT-Arlington, Tarrant County College and the Arlington and Mansfield school districts.

“In Austin, I look forward to continuing to fight for greater transparency and ethics reform, better access to healthcare, more funding for public education and making higher education attainable for all Texans who want to attend college,” Turner continued.

“And as chair of the House Democratic Caucus, I will continue to oppose the Dan Patrick/Greg Abbott extreme right-wing agenda, which puts divisive, Trump-style politics ahead of the real solutions Texans deserve.”

Turner has received numerous awards and honors for his legislative service, including “Legislator of the Year” from the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (2009), “Best of the House” from the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) (2013), “Legislative Champion”from Planned Parenthood Texas Votes (2017), the Sierra Club of Texas’ “New Leadership in Environmental Protection Legislative Service Award” (2013), and “Champion of Equality” from Equality Texas (2013 and 2015).
Turner is a native Texan who grew up in Dallas and is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. A 20-year Tarrant County resident, Turner lives in Grand Prairie with his wife, Lisa.
The Democratic primary election will be held on March 6, 2018.